Business
3 days ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden Highlights Agriculture, Property Tax System at Watertown Farm Business Banquet
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden reaffirmed his support for the state’s agricultural industry and defended the agricultural property tax system during the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee’s annual Farm Business Banquet. More than 1,000 farmers and ranchers attended the event.
3 days ago
Attorney General Jackley Encourages Shoppers To Watch for Holiday Scams
Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging South Dakota shoppers to stay alert for holiday scams, including fake delivery messages and tampered gift cards. The Consumer Protection Division is offering guidance and support for anyone who believes they’ve been targeted.
3 days ago
South Dakota Delays SDVotes Program Launch to 2027 to Allow More County Auditor Training
The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has postponed the launch of the upgraded SDVotes system to early 2027, citing requests from county auditors for more time to train staff and test the platform. Officials say the system is fully built and secure, with the delay focused solely on user readiness.
3 days ago
DWU Sets Date for Annual “Christmas Joy!” Holiday Concert in Mitchell
Dakota Wesleyan University will host its annual Christmas at Dakota Wesleyan concert on Dec. 12 at the Sherman Center, featuring performances from multiple university ensembles. The community event offers a full evening of seasonal music with limited seating available.
4 days ago
Black Hills National Forest Offers Online Christmas Tree Permits for 2025 Holiday Season
Christmas tree permits for the Black Hills National Forest are now available through Recreation.gov, offering families a convenient way to harvest their own holiday tree. Officials say the program also supports forest health by thinning overcrowded stands.
4 days ago
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Meth Conspiracy Spanning Rapid City and Pine Ridge
A Rapid City man has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Federal prosecutors say the case involved high-speed chases, firearms, and drug trafficking across Rapid City and the Pine Ridge reservation.
4 days ago
Team Buche Cares, Farmers Union Industries Distribute Food Aid Statewide After SNAP Delay
With SNAP benefits delayed during the recent government shutdown, Team Buche Cares and Farmers Union Industries have launched statewide efforts to support families facing food insecurity. The groups are distributing 10,000 pounds of pork loin and have already provided $300,000 in SNAP replacement certificates.
4 days ago
South Dakota Department of Health Celebrates National Rural Health Day
South Dakota leaders are recognizing National Rural Health Day, highlighting the state’s rural and frontier communities and honoring Jones County Ambulance Service as the 2025 Community Star. The observance underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare access across rural South Dakota.
5 days ago
Thune Calls for Return to Regular Order Following End of Federal Shutdown
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Congress must return to the traditional appropriations process to fund the government, urging lawmakers to work together after the recent 43-day federal shutdown ended. Thune emphasized that regular order is the most transparent and effective way to pass spending bills.
5 days ago
Weekend Outlook: Pleasant Weather Ahead in Mitchell
Preview: Warm daytime highs, chilly nights — a great weekend for outdoor plans in Mitchell, SD.
5 days ago
Three Musketeers Auditions Planned
Dakota Wesleyan University’s Theatre Department will hold open auditions Dec. 8–9 for its spring production of The Three Musketeers. Community members are encouraged to participate in the fast-paced, comedy-driven adaptation.
5 days ago
Sioux Falls Police Seek Early Radio Purchase to Save $300,000
Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum says buying radio equipment ahead of schedule could save the city $300,000. The City Council has approved the first reading of the proposal, with final consideration expected in early December.
7 days ago
SD Army National Guard activates 665th Support Maintenance Company for overseas deployment
More than 130 Soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 665th Support Maintenance Company in Mitchell have been activated for federal duty and will deploy to Europe to provide critical maintenance support for U.S., NATO, and partner forces. The unit will spend the next year at the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Germany.
1 week ago
South Dakota lawmakers seek yearly review of education department amid low reading scores
South Dakota lawmakers have ordered annual performance reviews of the state Department of Education as student reading scores lag and nearly half of students read below grade level, according to Education Secretary Joe Graves. The move increases legislative oversight of student achievement.
1 week ago
Zebra Mussels Detected at Sheridan Reservoir as Officials Urge Fall Dock Inspections
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials say late fall is a critical time to check docks and boat lifts for zebra mussels, with new detections confirmed at Sheridan Reservoir. The discovery marks the second zebra mussel–positive waterbody in western South Dakota.
1 week ago
Sioux Falls Council Outlines Process to Fill Upcoming Vacancy After Sarah Cole’s Departure
Sioux Falls City Council members have set the process for filling an upcoming vacancy created by Councilor Sarah Cole’s move out of the city. Nominations are due Dec. 5, with the appointment scheduled for Dec. 9.
1 week ago
OPINION – Angels in Adoption
South Dakota’s Marcus and Jackie Isakson have been honored as this year’s Angels in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute for their extraordinary commitment to fostering and adoption.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota Advances AG and Manufacturing Projects
The South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development and related boards have approved more than $176 million in projects statewide, supporting growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and small business while creating 175 new full-time jobs.
2 weeks ago
Federal Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days as Funding Bill Passes Congress
The federal government shutdown has officially ended after 43 days, following a late-night vote in the U.S. House to approve a funding package that President Donald Trump signed into law. The measure temporarily funds most government operations through January 30.
2 weeks ago
My Place Hotel – Mitchell, SD Asking for Local Support in Luggage Drive for Foster Children
Mitchell is asking the community to donate new or gently used luggage throughout November to help children in foster care have their own belongings when moving between homes. The hotel is accepting suitcases, duffle bags, carry-ons, and backpacks at 618 E Spruce Street.



